The Jamberoo Heritage Review community consultation process, which was due to begin in August 2022, has now commenced, with a formal exhibition to commence in February. 

At December’s Council meeting, Mayor Neil Reilly assured Jamberoo residents that, “We will ensure that no one’s home status is changed without consultation, so that no one is uncertain about the future of their home.” 

Jamberoo resident and businessperson Vivienne Marris had, at the previous night’s public forum, presented a passionate plea for more consultation and more time for property owners to understand what the consequences of a heritage listing might be.

Ms Marris says that as an owner of a property of high significance, it’s not about not wanting to be on the list, but what it actually means to be on the list. 

“Consultation is all we want,” she says, claiming that the process so far has been rushed.

However Jessica Rippon, Director Environmental Services says the long consultation process is just beginning, with the timeline and review on the Council website.

“Through the process there will be several opportunities for input from owners and opportunities for each owner to provide feedback to Council before any decision is made.”

Ms Rippon says that she thinks there has been some misunderstanding from residents about the timeline, leading them to believe that this report to the November Council Meeting was the final decision. 

"This report is the very first step in what is a detailed and long (perhaps to a year in length) process," she says. 

 5 Allowrie Street, Jamberoo has been named a heritage site in the report

“It was always proposed that information sessions with residents were to occur in late January and then a formal exhibition process through February.

“Following this, the Heritage Report is provided back to Council and then we start a rezoning process which also has formal exhibition and feedback requirements. 

“The resolution of Council now requires an additional report back to Council following the initial information sessions with residents prior to any further work occurring on the project.” 

Jamberoo residents can make a submission to Council to not list their property as heritage, however Council will have the final word on this.

 “Residents are able to make submissions to Council to seek for their property to not be listed, but ultimately it is the decision of Council following the completion of the process. Council must consider community and resident feedback in this process.

A heritage listing does not simply come about because a property is old. Other factors are assessed, such as aesthetic significance, social significance and rarity. 

For example, listed in the Niche Environment and Heritage Jamberoo Heritage Review Summary Report, along with older, more historic, homes, churches and mills in Jamberoo, are the stone walls and the Glen Murcutt designed home at 197 Clover Hill Road, which was built in 1982.